News

As most of you should be aware of by now, the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (the Department) pursuant to KRS 227A.150 has been working on a low voltage installer certification program for several years. The KYAFAA has been working closely with the Department and the Electrical Licensing Board to influence the structure of this regulation in a way that will make it both functional and practical.

As your board of directors we felt it our duty to make you aware of some of the relevant facts that will directly affect your business as it relates to all aspects of the low voltage work you may engage in going forward, and the new requirements you will be required to meet.

The following is a brief overview of the regulation, followed by some questions that have been posed in response to the regulation and the answers that have been provided, we will close with some information gathered by individuals in researching what is required to get tested and qualified per the guidelines of the regulation.

The following acronyms will be used throughout this document and are defined as follows: KRS- Kentucky Revised Statutes- are the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KAR-Kentucky Administrative Regulations- are the standards set in order to meet the intent of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

KRS 227A.150 limits the applicability of KRS 227A (existing law dealing with the licensing of electrical contractors) and requires the Department of Housings, Buildings and Construction to write the regulations (KAR) establishing the standards for experience, testing, and the fees associated with all forms of “low voltage work” Low voltage for the purpose of this regulation is defined as an electrical wiring system and control circuits directly associated therewith that consist solely of power-limited circuits meeting the definition of a Class II or Class III circuit as defined by NEC Article 725.

The regulation applies to any low voltage installation, alteration or repair of the described low voltage systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and to any applicant for certification as a low voltage installer. An electrician or master electrician licensed pursuant to KRS 227A.060 and 815 KAR 35:060 are exempted from this requirement. Anyone who is not licensed or does not hold this low voltage certification may only assist in this type work under the direct supervision of someone who is licensed per these guidelines. Direct supervision is defined as someone who is physically present at all times on the site where the low-voltage electrical work is being performed and who personally directs all work delegated to the unlicensed or uncertified person and remains immediately available to observe, instruct, and guide the unlicensed or uncertified person in his or her work.

Under 815 KAR 35:072 there are two classes of certification, the LV-G (general) and the LV-U (unrestricted) The LV-G can install, alter or repair any general low voltage electrical system or low voltage general alarm system but are restricted from working on Fire alarm systems or mass notification systems. You must have the LV-U certification to work on those systems.

The requirements for both certifications are the same with one exception; you must have 2 years relevant experience immediately preceding the application for certification and you must achieve a passing score of 70% on the ICC Kentucky low voltage electrician examination administered by an approved agency for both, but for the LV-U you must also poses and maintain a minimum NICET 2 certification in fire protection engineering technologies and fire alarm systems.

Tina Quire is the supervisor in the Licensing Department. (tina.quire@ky.gov 502-573-2002) The licensing requirement was just passed and is currently scheduled to go into effect July 1 2015. The legislation still has to go through the LRC (Legislative Research Committee) for final instructions before being sent to her department. Therefore it is still unknown how long everyone will have to become licensed once the requirement is in effect July 1.

The exam is called Kentucky Low Voltage Electrician exam #218 created by the International Code Council and is given through Pearson Vue Testing Centers. It is a 50 question, open book, multiple choice test over the low voltage requirements in NEC 2014. The exam costs 100.00 which is payable by credit card. It covers NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) 2014 version and Ugly’s Handbook of Electrical References. The exam is three hours and has 50 multiple choice questions. The following are some of the NFPA 70 sections that are being covered on the test:

- chapter 1 (article 100,110) which has a lot of the definitions that are used throughout the entire handbook.

- chapter 2 (article 250) section in this chapter on grounding and bonding.

- chapter 3 (article 300,310,312,314)

- chapter 5 (article 500,504)

- chapter 6 (article 640,645)

- chapter 7 (article 725,727,760,770)

- chapter 8 (articles all)

Don't forget the index in the back it is very helpful and remember it is a low voltage test so for the most part there are no questions about high voltage other than how low and high voltage circuits interface and when they can be ran together in raceways (conduit), cable trays, Etc. There are a lot of questions about different cable types and where and how they can be used.

• KRS 227A.150 provides the statutory authority for the “Department”, the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), to establish administrative rules to govern low-voltage installations.

Nothing in KRS 227A.010 to 227A.140 shall apply to low-voltage, power-limited installations for control or coordination of interconnected devices separated from a power source by a Class 2 or Class 3 transformer installed by a low-voltage installer certificate holder. The department shall set the standards for experience and testing for issuance of a low-voltage installer certificate by administrative regulation . . .(KRS 227A.150, effective July 15, 2010)

General Definitions and who is included

• Fire Alarm systems- any low voltage system, device, or combination of devices used to detect a fire or emit or transmit an alarm, trouble, or supervisory signal in the event of a fire, including all circuits controlled or powered by the fire alarm system.

• Mass Notification System- a low voltage system used to provide information and instructions simultaneously to all people in a building, area site, or other space.

• General Alarm Systems (intrusion, medical emergency, equipment failure or other predetermined event other than fire),

There is not a grace period but we will be working with everyone to get certification as soon as possible. You can start having your techs take the exam now and once we are able to send out the applications we will and get everything reviewed and the certification to you all as quickly as we can.

For more info, click here. A defective chip in the alarm panel can cause premature battery failure and prevent activation of devices during alarm conditions, posing a risk of injury and property damage.

This recall involves System Sensor’s reflected beam smoke detectors with model number BEAM1224S and date codes 2111 through 3053. The YMMW format date codes stand for (2111) 2012-November-1st week of Nov. through (3053) 2013-May-3rd week of May. The detectors are ivory and black and measure 10 inches high by 7½ inches wide. The model number and date code are printed on a label on the back of the detector’s cover and on the product’s packaging. The reflected beam smoke detectors were used primarily in commercial buildings as part of the fire alarm system. Detectors used with acceptable power supplies, as listed on the company website, do not need to be replaced.

This recall involves the Fire-Lite model MS-9600LS Series control panel that uses the SLC-2LS Expander Module. The following control panel model numbers included in this recall are: MS-9600LS, MS-9600LSC, MS-9600LSE, MS-9600UDLS, MS-9600UDLSE, UNIMODE9600LS and UNIMODE9600UDLS. The control panel is the main portion of the fire alarm system. The software in the expander module tells the system to sound an alarm and flash warning lights. The words "Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell" and the model number are located on the front of the fire alarm control panel.

Kidde, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is announcing a voluntary recall to replace certain Model PI2000 Smoke Alarm units manufactured between August 2008 and May 2009, that may not respond to smoke or push to test.

This page will help you determine if you have a smoke alarm that is affected, and will explain how to register for a replacement product if your unit qualifies.

The recall involves G-series Fire Alarm Control Panels that are professionally installed and have model numbers that end in GV4 and use D192G Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC) modules. The NAC module monitors the circuit connections and signals when alarms are not operational. The Bosch name, logo and model number D9412GV4, D7412GV4 or D7212GV4 are on the board of recalled GV4 fire alarm control panels. The control panels and modules are used in residences and commercial facilities and can be mounted inside a variety of enclosures with a minimum size of 16 inches x 16 inches x 3.5 inches, which may or may not be labeled with the Bosch name or logo.

Honeywell Fire Systems would like to make you aware of a potential issue that could affect normal operation of BG-10 Series fire alarm pull stations manufactured from 1992 through 2010. The large majority of these pull stations were manufactured more than a decade ago and distributed under multiple brand names.

The Website, www.PullStationSafety.com, has been created to provide more information on these pull stations, including how to identify BG-10 Series models, pull station pictures, and guidance on the repair and replacement of these devices. We strongly encourage facility owners and fire alarm service providers to visit this site to ensure you can accurately identify any potentially affected BG-10 Series pull stations within the facilities you own or serve.